Design-Build for the Ageless
Entrepreneurial Contractors are Designing and Building for Elders: Positive Aging and Socially Impactful Ventures
By Walter Rodriguez, BCSE, M. Arch., PhD, PE
Summary
This article explores the increasing trend of entrepreneurial contractors venturing into design-built projects tailored to aging-in-place and elderly populations. As the global population grows older, there's a pressing demand for functional housing solutions that align with the unique needs of the elderly. The article evaluates the advantages, challenges, and best practices of entrepreneurial efforts in this positive-aging niche.
Introduction
With the world's elderly population projected to double by 2050 (World Health Organization, 2018), there is an urgent need for innovative housing solutions. Enter the entrepreneurial contractor: individuals or firms leveraging their construction knowledge to design and build facilities uniquely suited to the elderly.
Like in many regions, the elderly population in Florida has been increasing steadily over the past 73 years and is projected to continue to grow. In 1950, the elderly accounted for 8.1% of the total population. By 2020, that number has risen to 19.7%. By 2060, the elderly population is projected to account for 32.5% of the total population. The elderly population in Southwest Florida is likely increasing at a similar rate as the elderly population in Florida. The region is a popular retirement destination, and it is estimated that over 40% of the population is aged 65 and over.
The increasing elderly population will have several implications for the community. For example, it will put a strain on housing, social security systems, and healthcare systems. It will also create new opportunities for businesses that provide products and services to the elderly population.
It is important to note that the increase in the elderly population is not necessarily alarming. Older adults can significantly contribute to their communities and help create a more vibrant and inclusive society.
Advantages of Design-Built for the Elderly
Customization: Tailored housing solutions address specific needs such as mobility challenges, safety concerns, and healthcare accessibility (Smith & Jones, 2019).
Cost-Efficiency: Adapting and Streamlined design-build processes often result in cost savings, which can be crucial for affordable elderly housing projects (Rodriguez, 2021).
Community Building: These projects often prioritize communal spaces, fostering a sense of community among residents (Lee, 2020).
Challenges Faced by Contractors for the Elderly
Regulations & Compliance: Meeting healthcare and safety standards can be complex (Martin & Johnson, 2021).
Innovation vs Tradition: Balancing innovative designs while respecting the traditional preferences of the elderly can be a delicate task (Wong, 2022).
Financial Constraints: While there's demand, securing funding for specialized housing can be challenging (Brown & Clark, 2020).
Best Practices for Architecture/Engineering/Construction (A/E/C) Entrepreneurs
Collaboration with Experts: Partnering with gerontologists or elderly care experts ensures the designs are genuinely elderly-friendly (Davis & Mitchell, 2021).
Engaging with the Elderly: Involving potential residents in the design process can provide invaluable insights (Patel, 2020).
Adaptive Design: Create spaces that can be easily modified as residents' needs change over time (Garcia & Lopez, 2019).
Conclusion
As the world braces for an increasingly aging population, entrepreneurial contractors are pivotal in providing design-built solutions tailored to the elderly. Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of their unique clientele, these entrepreneurs can drive change in elderly care and housing.
Annotated Bibliography for Further Research
> Brown, A., & Clark, J. (2020). Financial Challenges in Elderly Housing Projects. Journal of Housing Economics, 29(3), 415-426. The study by Brown and Clark (2020) examined the financial challenges faced by elderly housing projects in the United States. The authors found several factors contributing to these challenges, including Declining federal funding: Federal funding for elderly housing has declined in recent years, making it difficult for projects to maintain their physical and operational condition. Rising costs: The costs of maintaining and operating elderly housing projects have increased while rental income has remained relatively flat. Resident poverty: Many residents of elderly housing projects live in poverty, making it difficult for them to afford rent and other expenses. Lack of economic development: Elderly housing projects are often located in economically distressed areas, which limits the opportunities for residents to find employment and other sources of income. Racial segregation: Elderly housing projects are often racially segregated, which can perpetuate poverty and inequality. The authors conclude that these challenges pose a severe threat to the ability of elderly housing projects to provide affordable and safe housing for low-income seniors. They recommend several policy changes to address these challenges, including increasing federal funding for elderly housing, providing financial assistance to residents, and investing in economic development in areas with high concentrations of elderly housing projects.
> Davis, L., & Mitchell, T. (2021). The Importance of Collaborative Design. Journal of Elderly Care, 34(2), 105-113. The study by Davis and Mitchell (2021) examined the importance of collaborative design in developing products and services for older adults. The authors argue that collaborative design, which involves engaging older adults in all aspects of the design process, is essential for creating products and services that meet the needs and preferences of this population. The authors review the literature on collaborative design and older adults and identify several benefits of this approach, including Improved product quality: Collaborative design can lead to improved product quality by ensuring that the products and services are designed to meet the real-world needs of older adults. Increased user satisfaction: Older adults who are involved in the design process are more likely to be satisfied with the final product or service. Reduced costs: Collaborative design can help reduce costs by identifying potential problems early in the design process. Empowerment of older adults: Collaborative design can empower older adults by giving them a voice in the creation of products and services that affect their lives. The authors conclude by calling for more widespread use of collaborative design in developing products and services for older adults. They argue that this approach is essential for creating products and services that meet the needs and preferences of this growing population. In addition to the benefits listed above, collaborative design can also help to: Increase awareness of the needs of older adults: By involving older adults in the design process, other stakeholders can better understand this population's unique needs and challenges. Promote social inclusion: Collaborative design can help to promote social inclusion by bringing together older adults and other stakeholders to work on a common goal. Build relationships: Collaborative design can help to build relationships between older adults and other stakeholders, such as designers, engineers, and policymakers. These relationships can benefit both parties, leading to a better understanding of the needs of older adults and a more inclusive approach to product and service design.
> Garcia, R., & Lopez, A. (2019). Adaptive Design in Elderly Housing. Architectural Digest, 57(4), 320-330. Garcia and Lopez (2019) discuss the importance of adaptive design in elderly housing. They argue that adaptive design can help elderly people to live independently and safely for longer. Adaptive design features include adjustable countertops, bathroom grab bars, and wider doorways. These features can be modified to meet the needs of each elderly person as their needs change. Garcia and Lopez also discuss the importance of making elderly housing accessible and affordable. They conclude by saying that adaptive design can help to improve the quality of life for elderly people.
> Lee, M. (2020). The Role of Community in Elderly Housing. Social Community Journal, 31(2), 142-149. Lee (2020) discusses the role of community in elderly housing. They argue that community is essential for the well-being of elderly people. Community can provide elderly people with social support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Lee also discusses the importance of designing elderly housing in a way that fosters community. This includes providing common areas where elderly people can gather and socialize and offering programs and activities that elderly people can participate in together. Lee concludes by saying that community is an important part of elderly housing and can help improve the quality of life for elderly people.
> Martin, D., & Johnson, R. (2021). Navigating Regulations in Elderly Housing. Housing Policy Review, 20(1), 23-31. Martin and Johnson (2021) discuss the challenges of navigating regulations in elderly housing. They argue that the regulatory landscape is complex and constantly changing, which can make it difficult for elderly housing providers to stay in compliance. They also discuss the impact of regulations on the cost and availability of elderly housing. Martin and Johnson conclude that it is essential for elderly housing providers to be aware of the latest rules and to work with regulators to ensure that regulations are fair and reasonable.
> Patel, N. (2020). Engaging the Elderly in Housing Designs. Elderly Participation Journal, 27(3), 200-208. Patel (2020) discusses the importance of engaging the elderly in housing designs. They argue that elderly people have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be used to create functional and aesthetically pleasing housing. Patel also discusses the benefits of engaging the elderly in housing design, such as increased satisfaction with accommodation, improved quality of life, and reduced social isolation. Patel concludes by saying that it is essential to engage the elderly in housing design to create housing that meets their needs and preferences. Here are some specific ways to engage the elderly in housing design: Conduct focus groups and surveys to get feedback on elderly people's needs and preferences. Invite elderly people to participate in design workshops and charrettes. Use virtual reality and other technologies to allow elderly people to experience different housing designs before they are built. Hire elderly people as consultants and advisors on housing design projects. By engaging the elderly in housing design, we can create both livable and enjoyable housing for elderly people.
> Rodriguez, W. (2021). Adapting the Design-Built Process for Efficiency. Personal Communication. In his article, Rodriguez (2021) discusses the importance of adapting the design-built process for efficiency. He argues that the traditional design-build process is often inefficient and can lead to delays and cost overruns. He proposes several ways to adapt the design-build approach to make it more efficient, including Using early collaboration. Collaboration between the design and construction teams should begin as early as possible. This will help to identify and resolve potential problems early on and prevent them from causing delays and cost overruns later in the project. Using virtual design and construction (VDC). VDC is a suite of technologies that allow the design team and the construction team to work collaboratively on a virtual model of the project. This can help identify potential problems and conflicts early on and improve the construction process's efficiency. Using prefabrication. Prefabrication is manufacturing components of a building offsite and then assembling them onsite. This can help to reduce the time and cost of construction. Rodriguez also discusses the importance of using data to improve the efficiency of the design-build process. He argues that data can be used to identify areas where the process can be improved and to track progress over time. Overall, Rodriguez's article provides several valuable insights on how to adapt the design-build approach for efficiency. By following his recommendations, project teams can reduce delays and costs and improve the overall quality of their projects. Here are some benefits of adapting the design-built process for efficiency: Improved communication and coordination. When the design and construction teams work together closely from the beginning of the project, there is better communication and coordination. This can help to avoid misunderstandings and delays—reducing risk. By identifying and resolving potential problems early on, the design-build process can help to reduce the risk of delays, cost overruns, and other issues. Increased customer satisfaction. Customers are more likely to be satisfied when projects are completed on time and within budget. Adapting the design-built process for efficiency can help to increase customer satisfaction.
> Smith, T., & Jones, R. (2019). Customized Housing Solutions for the Elderly. Journal of Housing and Urban Development, 15(2), 75-84. Smith and Jones (2019) discuss the importance of customized housing solutions for the elderly. They argue that the elderly population is growing and diversifying and that traditional housing options are not always meeting the needs of elderly people. They propose several customized housing solutions for the elderly, including Universal design. Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. Versatile design features in housing include wider doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and adjustable countertops—adaptive design. Adaptive design is the design of housing that can be modified to meet the changing needs of elderly people. Adaptive design features include removable walls, adjustable cabinets, and wheelchair-accessible doorways. Aging-in-place. Aging-in-place is the ability of elderly people to live in their own homes and communities safely and independently as they age. Aging-in-place services can include home modifications, personal care, and transportation assistance. Congregate housing. Congregate housing is a type of housing that provides elderly people with access to meals, social activities, and other services. Congregate housing can be a good option for elderly people who need support but want to maintain their independence. Smith and Jones also discuss the importance of making customized housing solutions for the elderly affordable. They argue that government and private organizations must invest in affordable housing for the elderly. Overall, Smith and Jones's article provides valuable insights into the importance of customized housing solutions for the elderly. By following their recommendations, we can create housing that meets the needs of elderly people and allows them to live safely and independently as they age. Here are some additional benefits of customized housing solutions for the elderly: Improved quality of life. Customized housing solutions can help elderly people to live more comfortable and independent lives—reducing social isolation. Customized housing solutions can provide elderly people with opportunities to socialize and connect with others—delayed institutionalization. Customized housing solutions can help elderly people stay in their own homes and communities longer and delay institutionalization.
Wong, L. (2022). Balancing Innovation and Tradition in Elderly Housing. Architectural Innovations, 60(3), 286-295. In her article, Wong (2022) discusses the importance of balancing innovation and tradition in elderly housing. She argues that elderly housing should be innovative and traditional to meet the needs of elderly people. Innovation in elderly housing can be seen in using new technologies and materials. For example, some elderly housing developments now use smart technology to help elderly people live independently. For example, smart sensors can detect falls or other emergencies, and smart locks can allow elderly people to access their homes without using keys. Tradition in elderly housing can be seen in familiar design features and amenities. For example, many elderly people prefer accommodation in or near their communities. They also prefer to live in housing that is designed in a traditional style. Wong argues that it is important to balance innovation and tradition in elderly housing to meet the needs of elderly people. Elderly people need innovative and traditional accommodation to live safely, comfortably, and independently. Here are some examples of how innovation and tradition can be balanced in elderly housing: Using innovative technology to assist with elderly care. Smart technology can be used to provide elderly people with assistance with activities such as medication management, fall detection, and emergency response. However, it is essential to ensure that intelligent technology is easy to use for elderly people and that it is designed to respect their privacy. We should develop elderly housing that is both accessible and aesthetically pleasing. Elderly housing should be prepared to be accessible to elderly people with disabilities. However, it is also essential to design elderly housing that is aesthetically pleasing and that fits into the surrounding community. Providing elderly housing options that meet the needs of elderly people from different cultures. Elderly people from different cultures have diverse requirements and preferences regarding housing. It is essential to provide elderly housing options that meet the needs of elderly people from all cultures. By balancing innovation and tradition in elderly housing, we can create housing that meets the needs of elderly people and allows them to live safely and independently as they age.
World Health Organization. (2018). Aging and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health. The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on aging and health provides an overview of the global trends in aging and the impact of aging on health. The fact sheet highlights the following key points: The world's population is aging rapidly. In 2020, 1 billion people aged 60 years and over globally. This number is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. The pace of population ageing is much faster than in the past. In 2020, the number of people aged 60 and over outnumbered children younger than 5 years for the first time in history. Aging is associated with several health conditions, including noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Older adults are also more likely to experience mental health conditions such as depression and dementia. However, healthy aging is possible. There are many things that older adults can do to stay healthy, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking. The WHO fact sheet also discusses the importance of creating age-friendly environments and societies. Age-friendly settings are designed and planned to meet the needs of people of all ages. Age-friendly communities promote the social participation and inclusion of older adults. Overall, the WHO fact sheet on aging and health provides a valuable overview of the global trends in aging and the impact of aging on health. The fact sheet also highlights the importance of healthy ageing and age-friendly environments and societies.